Data Protection Officer

Overview An international life sciences organization is seeking an experienced Data Protection Officer (DPO) Subject Matter Expert to support a global Cyber Security and Data Protection as a Service (DPOaaS) engagement. The role will focus on ensuring data protection compliance across clinical development and pharmacovigilance operations , supporting a multi-regional regulatory landscape and working alongside an established cyber security delivery team. The successful candidate will bring deep experience in global data protection frameworks within the life sciences sector , particularly relating to clinical trial data, patient safety data, and pharmacovigilance systems . Key Responsibilities • Provide Data Protection Officer (DPO) expertise across global life sciences operations. • Ensure compliance with international data protection and privacy regulations across multiple jurisdictions. • Advise on data governance and privacy controls relating to clinical trial data, patient records, and pharmacovigilance reporting. • Support Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and privacy risk assessments for clinical and safety systems. • Work closely with cyber security teams to ensure privacy-by-design and privacy-by-default principles are embedded in security frameworks. • Provide regulatory guidance for cross-border data transfers and international data handling. • Support the development and review of data protection policies, procedures, and governance frameworks . • Act as an SME for privacy considerations in GxP regulated environments . • Provide guidance to global stakeholders including legal, compliance, IT security, and clinical operations teams . Required Experience • Extensive experience acting as a Data Protection Officer or Data Privacy SME in a global life sciences or pharmaceutical environment . • Strong expertise in clinical research data protection and pharmacovigilance data privacy requirements . • Deep knowledge of global privacy regulations , including: • GDPR and UK GDPR • International cross-border data transfer frameworks • Regional privacy regulations across NAM, EU, and APAC • Experience working within GxP regulated environments . • Proven experience supporting global privacy governance frameworks . • Ability to work with cyber security and risk teams to integrate privacy requirements into security programs. Preferred Qualifications • Certifications such as CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT , or equivalent privacy qualifications. • Experience delivering DPO-as-a-Service (DPOaaS) or advisory services. • Experience supporting clinical systems, safety databases, or pharmacovigilance platforms . • Experience operating across multi-region regulatory environments .